It’s hard to believe that avocado colored appliances and orange shag rugs were once in fashion, and considered the “in” and “it” thing in home fashion. But we know that fashion in home design, just like apparel, is ever-changing. Color and style trends track what has become important in our lives. I thought you’d like to know about the current fancies of home builders, buyers and renovators. Here’s a compendium of the features many folks crave today:
Outdoor rooms: You’ve seen the Web sites with stunning outdoor furniture that make outdoor spaces look more like living or family rooms. Some even feature fireplaces. Out is now “in” like never before.
Flexibility in design and furnishings: With downsizing a decided trend, smaller spaces demand more flexible choices. Look for chairs and couches that turn into beds, movable partitions and multi-purpose rooms, offices that become guest rooms, garages that multi-task as art studios.
Going green: We’re going organic not only in the food we eat, but in our houses too. Sustainable products made of natural, untreated materials are being utilized more and more; this includes paint, flooring, countertops and furniture. We’re also going green in our yards as home vegetable gardens seem to spring up everywhere.
Smarter houses: You’ve seen the ad depicting the homeowner turn off his lights from 3,000 miles away with a mobile device. New houses are more hi-tech than ever with “smart” refrigerators, sport cameras and TV screens and even new microwaves that know intrinsically how long items need to be reheated for.
Media frenzy and inner peace: We love our media but then we like to go inward. New trends include elaborate, super comfy media rooms with super large TVs and super sink-into comfy seating. On the other hand, spare meditation rooms are now claiming space in homes, for those quieter, wind-down times.
Luxuriating: Houses may be getting smaller, but bathrooms are getting larger and more lavish. New features include multiple shower heads, (ooh la la!) whirlpool tubs, of course, and lounges.
But also efficiency: As much as we want to luxuriate, economics demand we be practical as well. You’ll find the “infinity edge” bathtub right next to the low-water toilet and sink. Solar panels, too, are showing up more and more, looking snazzy on rooftops and many folks are turning to xerisscape plants to save water.
And finally, color: It’s known that popular paint colors tend to move in about 10 year cycles. The neutral colors, like white and beige, are always a safe choice, when we can’t decide and are afraid to go too bold. But new neutrals are currently in fashion with grays and blue-grays topping the list. A range of yellows is also popular. Those a little more imaginative may be dipping into the orange, raspberry and purple paint buckets for a little punch. And then there’s blue, always a good choice.
Fashion is by its nature fickle, and we’ve read that all things British are now popular due to the interest in the recent royal wedding and baby. So you might find a red phone booth and hounds tooth print in a neighbor’s living room.
Our homes reflect our interests and our lifestyle, and evolve as we do. The only thing that is consistent is our desire for warmth and comfort in the place we call home.
Del Phillips is a California Licensed Real Estate agent. He is a member of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Del at Ascent Real Estate at 619-298-6666 or at Del@DelPhillips.com DRE LIC #01267333.
